Critically evaluate two research articles. Since knowledge of adulthood and aging is based on research, potential clinicians need to learn to evaluate research articles with a critical eye. The following assignment is one step toward that process. Your task is to find two scholarly, empirical (one in which data is collected) journal articles through the library databases (ex: psych-info) and evaluate them using the criteria below. The articles should be related to a topic that was covered in class (presumably something that interests you). Each of the two articles that you select should describe a research study investigating a similar topic (ex: processing speed in older adults).

Summarize article

What is/are the research question(s)?

What is the purpose of the research?

Who participated and what research design was used?

Description of sample/methods/type of research design

What information is included about data integrity?

Validity/reliability of data

Description of main points supported by evidence from the article

Were significant results found in areas of concern?

Description of conclusion and future research directions

Your opinions

How well did the authors accomplish their goals?

Is there a sufficient explanation as to why the topic warrants study?

Did the authors do a sufficient job explaining the topic and attempting to answer their research question(s)?

Are the conclusions valid based on the evidence provided?

Sample size/research design/methods